jeff968

They sure did use 718. I refer to this code as reVINing as you pointed out, they took a car produced during the prior model year and sold it as the current model year right down to the VIN with the newer model year.

For 968 cabs 495 (189 1994s and all 306 95s) of the 2,008 were 718 cars, 24.73%!

For the 968 coupes 360 (161 1994s and 199 95s) of the 2,234 were 718 cars, 17.98%!

Not a single 968 cab was a true 95 (made without the 718 code). 60 of the 95 coupes were true 95s (built after June of 1994).

The funny thing about the 718 cars is that they reflect the prior model year's options and offerings. For example, your F9 amethyst color. This is a 92-93 standard metallic color offering but there are a few 94 NA 968 coupes and cabs in that color. That is because they are 718 cars, originally 93s built before July of 1993 reflecting MY 1993 offereings and features. The only thing 94 about them is the R in the VIN.

Jeff

Vilhuer

US sales were really down at the time and using next year VIN meant car remained latest MY model much longer and was easier to sell as new model. In ROW markets sales were also down but VIN MY info doesn't matter as much since most people even still do not have any idea what info even means. To most people MY is whatever is first registration date in cars paperwork.

jeff968

Here in US I've seen two cases where 718 has caused problems. Seller's have looked to the build date on the door to tell them what year the car is (as they don't know how to read the VIN) and that is a bad idea on a 718 car.

odurandina

does anyone know at what point in the production run, the pinion bearing problems abate ?

ernie9468

Jeff--- What is this color it seem pale compare to your's ?

jeff968

Same color, taken outside in the bright sun with a camera that didn't capture the color well.

Do you have full sized shots? If so, could you send them to me at jeffery.coe@snet.net? Thanks
Jeff